A day care centre for people with disabilities is closing with just a few days norice and says it will be shut indefinitely - leaving people scrabbling to make alternative arrangements.

Parents and carers say they will have to take time off work to fill in the gap left by the shock closure of Devon's Independence South West centre Rockville House.

Rockville, which provides a day care service as well as respite breaks for adults who have physical and sensory disabilities, will close on Friday due to unforeseen circumstances.

The organisation says the centre will be closed indefinitely. Alan Gomer said his stepson was in “one hell of a state” after being told the centre “he loves” is closing, reports plymouthherald .

He added that he feared when Mark comes to say his goodbyes “it wouldn’t benefit his wellbeing”.

Alan said: “He will have to stay in with me, there is nowhere for him to go. It’s a mess to be honest. I’m absolutely flaming because it’s closed. The future’s quite bleak for us. It’s going to affect my life a lot.”

Mark's mother, who was married to Alan, died of cancer in 2004. Alan, who had known Mark since he was four years old, has been the primary care giver for the last 13 years.

Mark, aged 40, travels more than 35 miles a day to go to the centre in Plymstock. He is picked up five days a week at 8am and dropped home just before 5pm, which enables Alan, a self-employed builder, to go to work.

He now worries about how long it will be until he is able to find a new facility for Mark to attend so he can go back to work.

Mark has cerebral palsy, which is a lifelong condition that affects movement and co-ordination, caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or soon after birth.

He added: “He’s devastated, that’s his life in there, he’s got no family, it’s just me.”

A statement issued by Independence South West, said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, as of Friday, December 22, 2017, Independence South West (“ISW”) will stop providing all of its services for an indefinite period.

“The trustees of ISW are liaising closely with all users (and their families) of the services to keep them informed of the situation.

“The trustees are also liaising closely with Plymouth City Council and other relevant bodies to make sure the best possible outcome is achieved for the charity and the users of the charity’s services.”

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"People remained safe at Rockville House. Some of the people who stayed for respite care were not able to fully verbalise their views. Relatives and staff felt people were safe. There were enough staff to support the number and needs of people.

"Some staff worked in both the respite service and the day service and this provided continuity in care. People were supported to take part in activities and trips out.

"People received their prescribed medicines safely. People responded positively when asked if they liked staying for respite care."